Improvement in alloys for journal-bearings



B. J. DOWNS. Alloy for Journal-Bearings.

No. 221,400. Patented Nov. 11, I879.

UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE.

BENJAMIN J. DOWNS, OF EAST BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN ALLQYS FOR JOURNAL-BEARINGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 221,400, dated November 11, 1879; application filed July 10, 1879.

minimum the friction between journals and their bearings, in order to avoid heating the former under anyrate of speed or with any length of continuous rotation.

My invention consists in a metallic alloy, in which tin largely predominates, comprising about four-fifths of the compound, while about one-eighth is copper and one-twentieth antimon-y, and in a journal-bearing composed of such material.

The drawings represent, in Figure 1, a complete bearing-block, adapted for use with a caraxle; and in Fig. 2 is shown a skeleton base for supporting the same.

1 am aware that various metallic compounds have been used heretofore for the purpose of reducing friction between moving metal bodies, and accomplishing thatobject with more or less of success. I have experimented largely in this direction, and practically tested various alloys to determine the most suitable metals and the proportions in which they should be used, in order to secure the best results at the least cost, and at the same time obtain a compound that could be remelted and repeatedly used.

My improved anti-friction compound is composed of thirty-two and one-half parts tin, five partscopper, and two parts antimony, by weight, melted together and thoroughly commingled. The product of thisunion is a silver-gray compound, showing on fracture a coarse granular appearance, but 011 turning or filing presenting a remarkablysmooth surface, with a somewhat greasy feel, like soapstone. A surface like this is admirably adapted for bearings subjected to lon g-continued and heavy wear, since it requires little or no lubrication, and will not heat the axles or become heated by them, under ordinary circumstances.

Compared with the well-known Babbitt metal, in y compound is of lighter color, coarser grain, (on fracture,) finer and smoother surface when finished, and more silky feel. The proportions in which I have combined the con-.

stituent elements are those shown by experien cc to be best adapted to the accomplishment of the end in View, and cannot be varied from, beyond a small percentage of either ingredient, without loss of efficiency in the product.

To strengthen and support this material in suitably-sh aped blocks forbearin gs, I provide a base or skeleton frame, A, formed of some cheaper and more tenacious metal or metals, and of such shape as is desired, preferably conforming in outline with the bearing-block. This base 1 coat with tin on the side which is to be next the alloy, place it in the mold, and cast upon it the body or bearing B, which readily and permanently unites with the=tinned frame, making of them one solid block of the desired form, which may be milled in the usual manner, for securing conformity of surface to that of the journal, or may be used in the shape in which it leaves the metal mold.

I claim as ofmy invention- The improved anti-friction metal herein described, composed of about thirty-two and onehalf parts tin, five parts copper, and two parts antimony, substantially as set forth.

BENJAMIN J. DOWNS.

Witnesses:

A. E. MOWRY, A. H. SPENCER. 

